View Historical Events by Day:

What Happened Today in History on November 18

Explore the historical events that shaped our world on November 18th. From major milestones to cultural achievements, see what happened on this day in history. Dates for earlier events may be approximate.

Note: Sources for the historical content shown, include research and reviews of relevant Online History Resources or printed material. When possible, we show a link to a source which provides additional or unique perspective about the event.

We do our best to provide accurate information but would appreciate being notified if any incorrect information is found. You may do so by using our Feedback link.

Search & Filter Events by Day, Month, or Year.

Today

View Events by Month:

January February March April May June

July August September October November December

View November Events by Day:

All in Nov. Today

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Jump to A Year: (Events in Nov.)

BCE CE

Browse More Historical Events by Day

Nov. 17

Nov. 18

Nov. 19

1123 CE, November 18

The First Lateran Council, the ninth ecumenical council and the first of the Catholic Church opens in Rome on March 18, 1123. It was convened by Pope Callistus II and it primarily served to formally ratify the Concordat of Worms which ended the investiture controversy.

The Council went on to confirm that only the Church had the authority to bestow spiritual powers on bishops, not secular rulers. It also issued decrees against simony, clerical concubinage, and church robbery, and reaffirmed indulgences for Crusaders.

1210 CE, November 18

Pope Innocent III excommunicates Otto IV, Holy Roman Emperor on November 18. 1210. The excommunication was a result of Otto IV invading southern Italy to seize the Kingdom of Sicily, which violated papal interests and went against his earlier promises to the Church.

1302 CE, November 18

Pope Boniface VIII issues the papal bull "Unam Sanctam," on November 18, 1302 one of the most extreme assertions of papal supremacy over secular authority in history. The bull declared that submission to the Roman Pontiff was "absolutely necessary for salvation" for all human creatures.

It maintained that both the spiritual and temporal authority ultimately belonged to the Church, although the Church could grant secular authority at their discretion. The bull was issued during a conflict between Boniface and King Philip IV of France over issues like clergy taxation.

1421 CE, November 18

The St. Elizabeth flood, a massive storm surge hits Zeeland and southern Holland flooding several villages and transforming a segment of reclaimed land called Grote Ward into an inland sea. Some areas that were flooded in this storm remain under water today. It is estimated that more than 10.000 people perished. More

1626 CE, November 18

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City is completed and consecrated by Pope Urban VIII on November 18, 1626.

1874 CE, November 18

The National Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) is founded in the United States on November 18, 1874. More

1883 CE, November 18

The United States adopts Standard Time Zones, establishing the system still in use today. Before Nov. 18, 1883, there were more than 100 local times across North America. The adoption of a standardized time by the U.S. and Canadian railroads eliminated the confusion and helped to keep trains and people on schedule.